Exchange Variation is variation 3 of 6 in the Ruy Lopez course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO C69). It runs 25 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 …. White gives up the bishop pair to damage Black's pawns. After queens come off, White's healthy kingside majority (4 vs 3) can create a passed pawn, while Black's doubled c-pawns cannot. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – Takes the centre.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. Nf3 – Develops and attacks e5.
2... Nc6 – Defends e5.
3. Bb5 – Pressure on the defender of e5.
3... a6 – Black challenges the bishop.
4. Bxc6 – The Exchange Variation: White gives the bishop to double Black's pawns.
4... dxc6 – Recaptures toward the centre and opens the d-file and c8 bishop.
5. O-O – Castles first; now Nxe5 is a real threat because the e4 pawn will no longer hang with check.
5... f6 – The most solid way to defend e5.
6. d4 – Opens the centre: White wants to trade pawns and reach the endgame majority.
6... exd4 – Black exchanges in the centre.
7. Nxd4 – Recaptures with the knight, centralising it.
7... c5 – Kicks the knight from the strong d4 square.
8. Nb3 – The knight retreats and offers the queen trade.
8... Qxd1 – Black trades queens; with the bishop pair this endgame is fine for Black if he is careful.
The lesson goes on for 9 more moves, each with its explanation.
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